Maternal weight gain and pattern of weight gain during pregnancy influence the ultimate outcome of pregnancy. Pregravid body mass index (BMI), maternal dietary intake, maternal height and age all determine the weight gain during pregnancy. The study was taken up with an objective to observe maternal weight gain and its pattern in pregnancy in women from an upper income group and to find out their association with pregnancy outcome. 180 normal primiparous pregnant Indian women (20–35 years) from an upper income group were recruited between the 10th and 14th weeks of pregnancy and were followed up throughout their pregnancy to record total and trimester-wise weight gain. Neonatal birth weights were recorded. The results showed that mothers with high pregravid BMI gained more weight during pregnancy than the recommended weight gain; in addition, weight gain in the first trimester was significantly correlated with birth weight of the neonates (P = 0.019). Significant correlation was found between weight gain in the third trimester and birth weight of the neonate irrespective of maternal BMI. The rate of weight gain was significantly correlated with neonatal birth weights irrespective of maternal pregravid BMI (P = 0.022) and as per its categories (P = 0.027). Thus, overall it can be concluded that adequate maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy is important for adequate weight gain by the mother and can result in better outcome of pregnancy. The rate of weight gain is also an important contributing factor.

Background: Maternal nutrition has a strong influence on singleton and twin birthweight. This study evaluated the association between twin birthweight and maternal pregravid body mass index (BMI), weight gain, and cravings and aversions. Information was also obtained regarding sources of nutrition advice and advised versus actual weight gain.

Methods: This study is based on data from interviews with 928 mothers of twins. Univariate analysis included comparisons by source of nutritional advice, birthweight categories, and categories of cravings and aversions. Multiple logistic regression was used to formulate models for mean twin birthweights > 1,500 g and > 2,500 g.

Results: Mothers who received their nutrition advice from a registered dietitian had the highest weight gains and the lowest proportion of birthweights < 1,500 g. For mean twin birthweight > 2,500 g, the final model included prematurity, pregravid BMI, and weight gain; for birthweights > 1,500 g, the model additionally included maternal age and aversions.

Conclusions: Maternal pregravid BMI and gestational weight gain were shown to be important factors influencing twin birthweight. Nutrition advice, particularly from a registered dietitian, may be vital in assuring adequate weight gain, and therefore better birthweights, for these high-risk pregnancies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal factors, including rates of gestational weight gain before and after 24 weeks' gestation, and adequacy of intrauterine growth for gestational age at birth of triplets, as a mean Z-score of the triplet set. The study design was a retrospective, anonymous, pilot telephone survey of mothers of triplets and an historical cohort analysis of their prenatal weight gain records. The statistical analyses performed included multiple regression analysis to formulate a model for mean triplet Z-score (a measure of birthweight-for-gestational age) and analysis of variance to confirm and simplify the components of this model. Factors significant in the final model and their beta coefficients included weeks' gestation (-0.124, p <0.0001), rate of gain before 24 weeks' gestation (0.606, p = 0.005), and induced conception (−0.404, p = 0.01). Rate of gain > 1.5 lbs/week before 24 weeks was significant in the analysis of variance (p = 0.009). Better intrauterine growth for gestational age is achieved in triplet gestations with maternal weight gains of >1.5 lbs/week before 24 weeks' gestation.

The increasing number of twin (and higher order) births is a matter of national concern for two reasons: First, the differential rates of preterm (< 37 weeks) delivery and low birthweight (< 2,500g) among twins compared to singletons; and second, the inordinate contribution of these infants to overall infant mortality, morbidity and long-term handicap. Data from all births in the U.S. during 1987 and 1988 was used to calculate distribution frequencies for gestational age at delivery, and birthweight, as well as mortality and handicap rates and the corresponding relative risks of these latter events for twins compared to singletons. A suggestion for improvement in the mortality and handicap rates and reduced costs among survivors is presented. This proposal is based upon data from the singleton and twin literature and the use of the prenatal invervention of adequate maternal nutrition during the pregnancy.